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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
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Photocatalytic Benzylation of C(sp3)-H Bonds with Alcohol Derivatives via Radical-Radical Cross-Couplings
Li Wang1, Junhao Li1, Min Chen1
1Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
We have developed a versatile photocatalytic platform for the direct benzylation of diverse C(sp3)-H bonds using N-acyl carbamothioates derived from readily available alcohols as benzyl radical precursors. This protocol operates through two complementary manifolds: a consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (Con-PET) process for the benzylation of N-α-C(sp3)-H bonds and a thiol-mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) cycle for more challenging substrates including alkenes, ethers, thioethers and toluenes. This deoxygenative strategy enables efficient C(sp3)-C(sp3) radical-radical cross-coupling without transition-metal-coupling catalysts, external oxidants, or radical stabilizers, delivering the desired products in moderate to good yields (up to 70%).
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